Monday, September 18, 2017

Conquering Cancer With Dad - Rocking Round 2!

My Dad got an A+ at the Dr's today! His vitals were great, his white blood cells normal and no weight loss! And he's really been feeling good this past week. 😃 The only big change was the hair loss that started happening early last week. Clumps were falling out when he combed his hair, and he would wake to find hair on his pillow and in his mouth... so not nice.  So I told him to just go have it shaved asap, and lo and behold he did! That same day! He actually had fun getting his head shaved and has embraced his new baldness, not afraid to show anyone and everyone.  I think I struggled with it more than he did, I'm still a little unnerved seeing "Bald Dad"! With or without hair, he'll always be my handsome Dad.  His noggin has a nice shape though, so he has that going for him! Haha!  I looked high and low but couldn't find him the perfect Union Jack cap, so I ordered him the furry golf visor and it's been a hit! Attitude is everything!

So now we have Round 2 over with and Dr says to expect much of the same side effects, which were minimal. One more Round in 3 weeks time and he's done with chemo! We will then make the drive to Phoenix together for his 3 weeks of pinpoint Radiation in November. Weather should be perfect by then:) 
Thank you so much to everyone for all of your prayers, support and good vibes sent our way. We are blessed beyond my comprehension with loving friends and family, thank you ALL! Whatever you're doing, it's working and we couldn't be more grateful for the help. Thank you for being there for us.


Saturday, September 2, 2017

Conquering Cancer with Dad - Doing Well!

So far, so good! You'd never know that my Dad had chemo 6 days ago! There really haven't been any side effects at all for this first round, and we couldn't be more grateful!  The nurses instructed him to drink tons of water, which he has been, and I know that is key to flushing the evils out of his body. Today is the first day without Prednisone, we'll see if he experiences any ill effects from stopping it. The nurses said he might get a little more fatigue, but that should be it. We are counting our blessings that it has been easy so far.  Just 2 more rounds to go.
I haven't seen my husband Jeff in 11 days, by the time he arrives it will be 2 weeks. As he is the Yin to my Yang, it's been difficult without him. I've missed him terribly during this stressful time.  Jeff will fly the Moonster in on Tuesday and then he, Bonnie and I will return to PHX on Wednesday. We will have one day at home to play with the kitties and then we commute to OAK for 3 days of work. I will find my way back here to Dad the following weekend to prepare for his 2nd round of chemo. I figure I had better squeeze some work in while he's doing so well. Bonnie will stay in PHX as having her around is a little too much change in my Dad's routine, Benji is too lovestruck and doesn't listen like he should. I will miss having her here, but it will be better for all as there can't be any puppy kisses while the chemo drugs build and are excreted through Dad's pores. Telling one puppy no is easier than two.